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Library acquires
rare 18th Century historical book concerning Ohio
Valley
December 27, 2011: Library officials of The Blade Rare Book Room
of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library have acquired by
purchase William Smith’s An Historical Account of Bouquet’s
Expedition against the Ohio Indians, in the Year MDCCLXIV
[1764]. Under the Command of Henry Bouquet, esq.
Michael Lora,
the Library’s Special Collections Coordinator, said the book is
a copy of the first English edition printed in London in 1766,
and contains two plates by historical scene painter Benjamin
West (1738-1820) that did not appear in the first edition
published in Philadelphia during the preceding year.
“This book’s historical value is immeasurable. The content
reveals the importance of what brought about the dawn of
settlements in the Ohio region. The beginning of the beginning
for early settlers,” said Lora.
Military cartographer Thomas Hutchins (1730-1789), who
was also the first Geographer of the United States, produced a
map for the first North American edition of the rare book, which
was re-engraved for the British first edition.
Hutchins’ map depicts the country on the Ohio and Muskingum
Rivers and includes the Indian villages with respect to the army
of General Henry Bouquet, a British army officer who is
best known for his victory over Native Americans during
Pontiac’s War, which lifted the siege of Fort Pitt [Pittsburg
PA].
The map includes an inset that reveals the route of Bouquet’s
army march in 1764 and is considered to be the most accurate map
of the Ohio Valley up to this time. The map also shows
the western end of Lake Erie with what is now called the
Maumee River flowing into it.
The success of General Bouquet’s action made it possible for the
beginning of pioneer settlement in the region.
Within a few weeks after cataloging and processing, An
Historical Account of Bouquet’s Expedition against the Ohio
Indians, in the Year MDCCLXIV [1764]. Under the Command of Henry
Bouquet, esq., will be available for examination by
appointment in the Blade Rare Book Room, located on the third
floor of Main Library in the Local History and Genealogy
Department, 325 Michigan St. To schedule a future appointment or
for more details, contact Michael Lora at 419.259.5233.
For additional information visit toledolibrary.org, or call the
Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department at
419.259.5233.
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